McKinney Courier-Gazette
By Winston Henvey / Star Local Media
October 5, 2023

As McKinney continues to grow, city staff aims to ensure young families, first-time homeowners, older residents and other residents can afford homes in McKinney.

At a Monday McKinney City Council meeting, Housing Director Janay Tieken told council about some recent initiatives to ensure residents have access to affordable housing through a variety of state and local programs.

In fiscal year 2023, the city of McKinney saw 506 new affordable housing units come to the market, slated to undergo construction throughout 2024 and 2025. Additional actions like approving accessory dwelling units, clear title legal assistance to prevent residents from being evicted, policy updates and closer work with the McKinney Community Development Corporation have also helped in the city’s efforts to bring affordable housing to the community.

In 2024, the city aims to offer more opportunities for low income tax credits for incoming housing developments, establishing the McKinney Housing Authority as a land trust partner, as well as increasing tax exemption opportunities for those in need and putting together a voucher program for low-income residents.

According to Tieken, more than 500 low-income tax credit units are either under construction or near completion since the city revisited some of its affordable housing policies. She added that the city’s currently third in the county for affordable housing accessibility, with one unit per 69 residents citywide.

Some proposed policy changes included ensuring affordable housing was available to those whose annual income fell between 30% and 60% of the area median income; the development provided over 50 units, with at least 20% of the units being dedicated to affordable housing; rent must not exceed the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ guidelines, if the property is not new construction; 15% of the purchase price must go toward rehabilitating the property and the property must receive 12 years minimum in tax exemption.

A new program the city aims to launch is a local gap voucher program, where elderly (62 or older) or disabled residents can receive financial assistance to avoid eviction over a 24-month period.

Council gave direction to move forward with the program and will approve the item in a future meeting.

Winston Henvey is the reporter for the Mesquite News, Allen American and Plano Star Courier. Email him with story suggestions at whenvey@starlocalmedia.com.